Newcastle’s superb Premier League season finished on a disappointing note with a 3-1 defeat at Everton and the Magpies’ hopes of a top-four finish ended by results elsewhere. Newcastle United’s manager Alan Pardew thanks his staff and players (Picture: AP) The hosts went ahead in the 16th minute through Steven Pienaar’s deflected effort and were 2-0 up in the 27th when Nikica Jelavic, another January arrival, finished smartly.Johnny Heitinga then netted a 65th-minute header and, although Tony Hibbert scored an own goal, it proved little more than a consolation for Newcastle.But boss Alan Pardew said: ‘I can’t fault the players. They have been absolutely magnificent to a man.’All my staff, everybody – we’ve had a real good go at it. Steven Pienaar (right) scored for Everton against Newcastle (Picture: PA) ‘You look at the quality of teams like Everton and Chelsea (who have finished seventh and sixth respectively) and you say “how have we finished fifth?” It is amazing really.’We are very pleased with that and we look forward to next year.’Everton – who had substitute Tim Cahill sent off following a mass skirmish at the final whistle – finished seventh, one place higher than local rivals Liverpool.